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Published on 04/13/20

Georgia 4-H offers camps for military dependents

By Laura Walton Goss

The University of Georgia 4-H program has coordinated military dependent camps since 2010 at locations in Georgia and Florida. Teen dependents, ages 14-18, of military service members are invited to apply before May 1 for the two summer camps.

“The summits offer military dependents an opportunity to build leadership and life skills in a high adventure environment,” said Laura Goss, Georgia 4-H Military Camp coordinator.  “Teenagers have the opportunity to have fun while connecting with teens to better understand their parent’s military service through targeted lessons, social interactions and service member volunteers. Youth gain independence, mastery and belonging."

UGA operates these two summer camps through the Military Teen Adventure Camps, a partnership funded by the Department of Defense between the Office of Military Community and Family Policy and the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through a grant and cooperative agreement with Purdue University. 

Camps are open to dependents, ages 14-18, of military members currently serving in active or reserve components. Camp fees, including transportation from the closest major airport, are covered through grant funds. 

The available weeks include:

  • Joint Component Teen Leadership Summit - June 14-19, 2020, Dahlonega, Georgia
  • Islands Military Teen Leadership Summit – July 12-17, 2020, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Applicants can learn more on the Joint Summit or the Islands Summit through the Georgia 4-H Military Partnership Camp pages and can apply through the Georgia 4-H Event Registration page. We ask that applicants apply by May 15th.

The online application requires demographic information as well as short answers and essay responses. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and notifications of acceptance will be sent soon after.

Most expenses (airfare and camp registration) are supported by the Military Teen Adventure Camps. Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to the closest major airport, baggage fees and additional funds for snacks, souvenirs and limited travel-day snacks. Also, unaccompanied minor fees are covered on at-needs basis when funds are available. More information will be provided to those accepted to attend.   

Youth are supervised during the week by well-trained staff in camping and youth development. Adult volunteers supplement the paid camp staff and include many service members, spouses and family members. All paid and volunteer staff complete youth protection training and undergo a background investigation in accordance with UGA policies.

Military spouses and military members (retired or current) are encouraged to apply to serve as volunteers. Volunteers play a major role at camp through participating in activities, supervising youth, chaperoning cabins, assisting classroom time and other related roles. To apply to be an adult volunteer, visit georgia4h.org/militaryvolunteer or reach each out to a staff member at milcamps@uga.edu.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 242,000 people annually through UGA Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Extension office.

Laura Goss is a Georgia 4-H Military Programs Camp Coordinator.

Authors:
Laura Walton Goss
Experts/Sources:
Laura Walton Goss
Georgia 4-H is offering two summer camps for military dependents, ages 14-18. Applications are due May 15.
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